ISKANDAR PUTERI: Persons with disabilities (OKU) will have access to employment opportunities within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), says state executive councillor Khairin-Nisa Ismail.
The Johor women, family and community development committee chairman said that the state government was committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of society, ensuring equitable job opportunities for all, including OKU individuals.
“In line with the Maju Johor 2030 agenda and the JS-SEZ, we are dedicated to ensuring no one is left behind.
“The OKU community will be given opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the economy through various employment initiatives.
“This is one of the directives given by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to ensure that the economic spillover benefits all people in the state, regardless of their background,” she said after officiating the OKU and Women Empowerment Programme (Pesona) 2025 at Sireh Park, here, yesterday.
Khairin-Nisa added that she would be calling on the Welfare Department and the Darul Ta’zim Family Development Foundation to prepare the necessary documentation on the matter.
“The state government is also planning to collaborate with industry leaders, government agencies and NGOs to develop comprehensive employment programmes tailored for OKU individuals.
“These initiatives include vocational training, workplace accessibility enhancements and incentive schemes for companies that hire persons with disabilities,” she added.
The programmes include the OKU Mobility Programme 2025 under the foundation, as well as Job Coach and Disability Equality Training (DET) under the department.
“Under the mobility programme, we will assist 280 OKU individuals in obtaining a motorcycle licence free of charge. We will collaborate with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Health Department to ensure they have the necessary capability to ride a motorcycle.
“As for Job Coach, we have selected 100 OKU individuals to undergo training and courses for six months to ensure they can adapt to their workplace and sustain their employment to meet their needs.
“For DET, we will work with employers to ensure they provide an OKU-friendly working environment. We have identified 200 participants for this initiative,” she explained.
She added that a similar programme has also been introduced by the Celik PIPI Association Johor Baru, known as the “Belia OKU Lestari Empowerment Hub (Boleh)” at Sireh Park.
